Science Writer, Kempner Institute (66033BR)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Communications, the Science Writer, Kempner Institute w ill utilize an understanding of scientific topics related to natural and artificial intelligence to communicate the Kempner Institute’s research and findings for various scientific and general audiences. In addition to translating research and findings into engaging content for the Kempner website and print publications, the Science Writer will support Kempner researchers by editing primary scientific documents, including grant and research proposals, abstracts of work from scientific presentations, and requests for proposals issued by the Kempner Institute.

The successful candidate will have content knowledge in computational neuroscience, neuroAI, artificial intelligence or machine learning, or related fields; will be an excellent communicator with outstanding writing and editing skills; and will be adept at writing about technical topics in a way that is easily understood by a general audience. Candidates must be highly organized, willing to learn new skills, and must want to work as part of a collaborative and collegial community.

Position Description

• Utilize an understanding of complex scientific topics related to natural and artificial intelligence to communicate the Kempner Institute’s scientific research and findings.
• Appropriately adapt technical scientific content for different audiences with varying levels of scientific understanding and expertise.
• Develop content for internal and external audiences, including grant and research proposals, donor reports, and abstracts of work from scientific presentations.
• Draft or edit concise print and web content related to scientific findings and research accomplishments, including press releases, blog posts, news articles, research summaries, announcements, and social media posts.
• Edit materials that present primary research, improving logical flow, editing for clarity, and copy editing for accuracy.
• Edit and proofread all science-focused content to ensure it has a clear and consistent style and tone, and, where appropriate, is accessible to a general audience.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• BA/BS required along with at least 5 years of relevant experience (may be a combination of post-secondary education and work/internship experience).
• Training in concepts related to computational neuroscience, neuroAI, artificial intelligence or machine learning, or related fields, with a deep desire to learn more about all of these fields and communicate information about them to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including demonstrated ability to write about scientific topics in language accessible to a general audience.
• Writing sample or assignment may be requested as part of interview process.
  
  

Additional Qualifications And Skills

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to copy edit for accuracy, clarity, style and tone.
• Outstanding planning, organization, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse and decentralized constituency, including students, researchers, faculty, staff, alumni, and other community members.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with team members.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Ideal candidates will be intellectually curious and will have a desire to share new knowledge and leverage a variety of communications tools and strategies.
• Experience with graphic design (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite) a plus but not required.
• Master’s or PhD degree or coursework a plus but not required.
  
  

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
  
  

Job Function

Communications

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

CM0057 Writer III

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

057

Department

HPAC

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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